Australia vs Japan Preview & Prediction | 2026 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup | First Round
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The Women’s Field Hockey World Cup gets underway in Amsterdam with Australia taking on Japan.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – not televised / USA – USA’s matches will be televised live on CBS
How to watch online: UK – British home nation matches can be streamed live for free on Channel 4 Sport YouTube, while all matches can be streamed live on FIH Watch.Hockey / USA – USA’s matches can be streamed live on CBS digital platforms, while all matches can be streamed live on FIH Watch.Hockey
Australia vs Japan prediction
Two-time world champions Australia come into this first game as favourites against Japan, whose highest finish at this tournament came in 2006 when they secured fifth-place. Expect the Hockeyroos to come out of the traps very fast in this one as they look to impose themselves on Japan both from a speed and power perspective.
When taking into the quality within Rhett Halkett’s squad, they should create plenty of chances over the course of this game. But it’s key that the three-time Olympic gold medalists avoid complacency and are clinical when their opportunities come. In the end though, Australia’s class should tell despite the expected hard-fought efforts of Japan, so back the former to triumph.
Australia vs Japan tip: Australia to win
